In the world of rental property ownership, just as there are many misconceptions about landlords, there are equally pervasive myths about tenants. These misconceptions often lead to misunderstandings and conflicts between tenants and landlords. In this follow-up to our previous discussion on landlords, we will explore and debunk some of the most common myths about tenants. We always hope to foster better relationships and mutual understanding between tenants and property owners.
Myth #1: Tenants Are Irresponsible and Careless
A common myth about tenants is that tenants are irresponsible and do not care for the property they rent. This misconception often stems from isolated incidents where properties were damaged or neglected by a few tenants.
Understandably, significant damage to a rental property is among most landlords biggest fears when it comes to rental property ownership. As we shared in our article dispelling myths about landlords, most landlords are not cold, wealthy individuals with no care for their property or tenants. Landlords oftentimes rely on rental income to maintain their investments.
Rental property ownership is a great way to build wealth and find financial freedom, but this does not mean that rental property ownership is a get-rich-quick scheme. Careful planning, maintenance, and saving in case of maintenance emergencies is essential. However, even with careful planning, it is extremely difficult to prepare for intentional damage caused by a tenant, or damage caused through reckless treatment of the property. Because of the responsibility landlords have in repairing damage quickly and most landlord’s reliance on rental income, it is understandable why this fear makes this misconception one of the top myths.
The reality is that the vast majority of tenants are responsible individuals who take pride in maintaining their living spaces. They understand that a well-kept property is beneficial for their comfort and security. Moreover, responsible tenants are often more likely to communicate promptly about maintenance issues, which helps in preserving the property’s condition. To illustrate, consider the more than 102 million renters in the United States who invest their own time and money into minor improvements or who adhere strictly to rental agreements, ensuring that the property remains in good shape.
Myth #2: Tenants Will Always Pay Late or Not at All
Another prevalent misconception is that tenants are frequently late with rental payments or default altogether. This belief can lead to landlords implementing overly stringent screening processes or being overly cautious in their interactions with tenants.
In reality, while there are certainly instances of late payments, most tenants understand the importance of timely rent payments and are committed to fulfilling their financial obligations. Many tenants have stable incomes and prioritize their rent payments as a critical monthly expense. Data shows that the majority of tenants pay their rent on time, and proactive communication from landlords or property management companies can further reduce any potential issues related to late payments.
Myth #3: Tenants Are Transient and Unreliable
Some landlords may believe that tenants are inherently transient and unreliable, constantly moving from one place to another without any loyalty or stability.
This is rarely the case. In most cases, tenants seek stability and long-term residency, just as a homeowner would. The decision to rent often stems from various life circumstances, such as career changes, family needs, or financial planning, rather than a lack of commitment. Tenants who are satisfied with their living conditions and have a good relationship with their landlords are likely to renew their leases and stay for extended periods. This stability can be beneficial for landlords, reducing turnover rates and associated costs.
According to renting statistics in Zillow’s rental report, 61% of renters say they are considering moving within the next three years. Fifty-two percent of renters also say they’re considering moving in the next year, and 43% of renters are considering a move only when they buy their next home.
Additionally, only around a fifth of renters had moved within the last year. Renters, like homeowners, seek stability and a solid community. While some renters may move more frequently, this is not an accurate view of the standard renter in the United States. The majority of renters who move do so within their local community, changing neighborhoods rather than states or counties.
Myth #4: Tenants Do Not Communicate Problems
There is a common misconception that tenants are reluctant to communicate problems or maintenance issues, preferring to let things slide until they become serious. The truth is that most tenants prefer to live in a well-maintained property, just like any homeowner would. Therefore, the majority of tenants will report issues promptly, especially if they believe the landlord will respond positively and efficiently.
Effective communication is a two-way street; when landlords make it clear that they are approachable and willing to address concerns, tenants are more likely to report issues early. This proactive approach helps maintain the property and can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems. If a landlord or property management company does not address issues quickly or efficiently, or blames the tenant for general wear and tear, tenants will be less likely to report damage.
At Rincon Property Management, we believe that providing clear channels of communication is an essential part of building positive tenant relationships. We provide all of our tenants with a 24/7 emergency maintenance line which they can call at any time to report an issue. This line can also help tenants troubleshoot when appropriate, saving time and hassle. Further, we provide tenants with a portal and the ability to place non-emergency maintenance requests. Each tenant is able to call us directly, email us, fill out a contact form, or utilize the chatbot on our website, which connects tenants with real dedicated Rincon staff members. Because it is clear and convenient to tenants, we rarely see issues with unreported concerns.
A reason that a very small percentage of tenants may be hesitant to communicate problems with their landlord or property manager is a fear that they will face increased rental payments as a result. Read our full article, Why Reporting Maintenance Issues Won’t Increase Your Rent, to learn more about how we reassure our tenants that reporting concerns is in everyone’s best interest.
Myth #5: Tenants Do Not Respect Lease Agreements
Some landlords might worry that tenants routinely disregard lease agreements. This could include engaging in activities like unauthorized subletting, keeping pets without permission, or using the property for unintended purposes.
Most tenants respect the terms of their lease agreements. They understand that these agreements are legally binding and that breaching them can lead to serious consequences, including eviction or legal action. Clear, fair, and detailed lease agreements help set expectations and reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings. Moreover, open communication and regular check-ins can help ensure that both parties adhere to the agreed terms.
Myth #6: Tenants Are Always Looking for Ways to Exploit Landlords
A more cynical misconception is that tenants are always looking for ways to exploit loopholes or take advantage of landlords, whether through legal technicalities or by making unreasonable demands. This is an especially common fear in California, where legal constraints on landlords are ever-changing and difficult to keep up with. Worse, many laws are written ambiguously, leaving landlords to hope they are in compliance.
While there might be occasional disputes, the majority of tenants seek a fair and respectful relationship with their landlords. They are often more interested in ensuring a stable and harmonious living situation than in finding ways to exploit their landlords. Good tenants value fair treatment and reciprocity, which fosters mutual respect and a positive rental experience for both parties.
Myth #7: Tenants Are the Primary Cause of Property Damage
Landlords may sometimes believe that tenants are the main reason for property damage, thinking that their investment is constantly at risk due to tenant negligence.
Reality: While some wear and tear is inevitable, especially in long-term rentals, major property damage is relatively rare and often the result of accidents or unforeseen events rather than intentional actions by tenants. Regular maintenance, periodic property inspections, and clear guidelines on property use can significantly mitigate risks. Additionally, most tenants take good care of their rented homes, understanding that it is in their best interest to do so.
According to Zillow, roughly 42% of renters reported getting their entire deposit back. 20% of renters say they got most of it back, while 10% say they got some of it, and another 20% say they did not get any of their deposit back. With 62% of renters receiving all or most of their deposit back at the end of their tenancy, it is clear that the majority of renters are not causing undue damages to their rental property.
While 20% of renters did not see a deposit returned to them, we believe that regular property walk-throughs and vetting up-front during the leasing process can nearly eliminate this issue. At Rincon Property Management, we return more than 85% of security deposits in full. Vetting a property management company by asking what their security deposit return rate is can be a great first step in protecting your property.
Just as there are misconceptions about landlords, there are myths about tenants that can create unnecessary tension and misunderstanding. Dispelling these myths is crucial for fostering a respectful and cooperative rental relationship. Landlords who approach tenants with an open mind and a willingness to communicate will often find that their tenants are responsible, respectful, and reliable. By focusing on mutual respect and clear communication, both landlords and tenants can create a positive living environment that benefits everyone involved.
